Nearly 40,000 people toured Rock City's Enchanted Garden of Lights last year. This year, there's more to see and do, said Meagan Jolley, public relations manager.

Now in its 18th year, the Enchanted Garden of Lights showcases thousands of twinkling lights and vivid vignettes with holiday themes. The attraction will be open Friday, Nov. 16, through Saturday, Jan. 5. The park is also open daytime hours, but the sparkling light display has become a nighttime tradition for many families.

Also featured are nightly entertainment in the North Pole Lodge and fun activities such as Sugar Plum Fairy makeovers and cookie decorating.

New this year are more LED lights as a part of the transition to all LEDs and a baby polar bear (light sculpture), Jolley said.

Based on demand last year, more Dinner With Santa dates have been added (make reservations at seerockcity.com/santa).

"We've also added Starbucks Winter Weekend Nights, with featured musicians on select nights, in addition to those who already perform in our North Pole Lodge," Jolley said.

Rock City donates a portion of each ticket sold to the Ronald McDonald House, and a portion of proceeds from pink Survivor birdhouse ornaments go to the MaryEllen Locher Foundation, she said.

Opening weekend will be College Nights for Lee University and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Groups from each school will perform, and students and faculty (with school ID) will be admitted for $5. Lee University Night is Friday, Nov. 16. UTC Nights are Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 17-18.

Contact Karen Nazor Hill at khill@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6396. Follow her on Twitter at twitter.com/karennazorhill and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/karennazorhill.